Three Veterans Affairs employees in Illinois have been indicted by a federal grand jury for allegedly defrauding the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) during the COVID-19 pandemic. The program, established by the U.S. Small Business Administration, was intended to help struggling small businesses stay afloat. Instead, these employees are accused of exploiting it for personal gain.
Katherine Liggins and Eric Scott are charged with wire fraud and making false statements in order to obtain $20,000 each through the PPP. Tamika Wilson, the third employee, is accused of securing $40,000 in loans through similar fraudulent means. Wilson faces additional charges for filing false documents to support her claims.
Prosecutors allege that these employees not only obtained the funds through deception but also sought loan forgiveness using false information. “Greedy individuals who sought to steal from the federal government under false pretenses and enrich themselves with PPP funds will be held accountable,” said U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe.
The investigation, led by the VA Office of the Inspector General, highlights ongoing efforts to root out fraud within federal programs. Special Agent in Charge Gregory Billingsley stressed that VA employees engaged in fraudulent schemes will face serious consequences.
If found guilty, the accused could face up to 20 years in prison for wire fraud and five years for making false statements. The charges are severe, but it’s important to note that the employees are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
